Quadruple helix seen in human cells

More than the double helix in the molecule of life, scientists have seen for the first time a quadruple-stranded DNA at work in human cells. The finding is significant because it could suggest novel ways to fight cancer. Cambridge University’s Shankar Balasubramanian told BBC News, targeting cells in a dysfunctional state with “synthetic molecules could be an interesting way of selectively targeting those cells that have this dysfunction.” If the guanine or G-quadruplex is found to be related to the development of some cancers, it might be possible to make synthetic molecules that contained the structure and blocked the runaway cell proliferation at the root of tumors, the BBC reported. Pharmaceutical companies can study this and determine whether quadruplexes are “therapeutically viable targets,” Prof Balasubramanian said.

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